Bujumbura — A framework agreement was signed yesterday between the Holy See and the Republic of Burundi on "matters of common interest.

The signing was held in the offices of the presidency of the Republic of Burundi in Bujumbura in the presence of the Head of State, Pierre Nkurunziza.

Signing on behalf of the Vatican was Archbishop Franco Coppola, the apostolic nuncio of Burundi while the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Laurent Kavakure, signed the framework agreement on behalf of the Republic.

The agreement acknowledges the amicable ties between the two states over the past 50 years, while defining and guaranteeing the legal status of the Catholic Church in Burundi.

The agreement also regulates several areas including canonical marriage, places of worship, Catholic institutions of instruction and education, the teaching of religion in schools, the Church's charitable activities, pastoral care of the armed forces and in prisons and hospitals, and the property and tax regime.

The framework agreement includes a Preamble and 22 Articles and will come into force with the exchange of instruments of ratification.